My kids are each getting a Christmas book that I got free using my Scholastic bonus points. I also got them reindeer antler headbands . I got the headbands 50&37; off the day after Christmas at the Dollar Tree. They came in a 2 pack/.50 cents. So I basically spent .25 cents/student this year!

In past years I have given the kids a can of Playdough and a Christmas cookie cutter. I usually was able to find cookie cutters in a 6 pack at the dollar tree.

I also often buy a classroom gift (usually a new toy). Although this gift is more money, it stays in the classroom for future classes to use. Last year I bought Tinker Toys and the kids LOVED them! This year I bought Zoobs. Hopefully they will love them too. This gift is always from Santa.

My mom and I made small (5") red and white felt stockings, with a hanger, suitable for use as an ornament on the tree. Inside the stocking, I put a pencil (12 in a pack at Dollar Tree), a candy cane (buy a pkg of 12 for $1 at Wal-Mart), and a bookmark (36 in a pack at Dollar Tree). My mom did the felt stockings this year, since she's retired and I am not. :-) She sews them, with felt purchased on sale at Joann's.

On 12/01/14, Katie wrote: >> Help! Looking for ideas on a budget! >> >> thanks!!!!!!!!!!!! >> Katie > > My kids are each getting a Christmas book that I got free > using my Scholastic bonus points. I also got them reindeer > antler headbands . I got the headbands 50&37; off the day after > Christmas at the Dollar Tree. They came in a 2 pack/.50 > cents. So I basically spent .25 cents/student this year! > > In past years I have given the kids a can of Playdough and a > Christmas cookie cutter. I usually was able to find cookie > cutters in a 6 pack at the dollar tree. > > I also often buy a classroom gift (usually a new toy). > Although this gift is more money, it stays in the classroom > for future classes to use. Last year I bought Tinker Toys > and the kids LOVED them! This year I bought Zoobs. > Hopefully they will love them too. This gift is always from > Santa.